Assurance Summer Intern Review

Firstly my role involved assisting in the quarterly audit, helping the graduates to complete their tasks. This involved largely rolling forward analytical reviews, completing minutes for client meetings, and contacting clients to obtain data. I also carried out some testing and control checks. Secondly, the role involved completing certificate learning, this was a weekly course on management, working with teams, and hybrid working which included independent work to be completed weekly. The role also included some independent learning on the client and auditing processes.

I have learnt new excel skills, including many shortcuts and methods to completing the work, but also developed the existing excel skills I already have. By taking minutes for meetings I was able to improve my summarising skills. This is because it included taking detailed notes within a short time frame and on complex matters. I also improved my collaboration and teamworking skills, as I was responsible for partnering with many members of the team to assist in their work.

I would say I was given a decent amount of responsibility, more or less as I expected. I was given my own individual tasks to complete, which were then reviewed by a more senior member before receiving feedback. I also had the time to complete these independently, rather than constantly being monitored. I was given the same difficulty work as the first year graduates, which suggests a decent amount of responsibility, as they have been studying and working at the organisation for around a year.

I received a lot of support and guidance throughout my internship. I had a buddy, counsellor, and team members to guide me through different challenges. My buddy was helpful with day-to-day admin questions and welcomed me to the firm. My counsellor guided me through the feedback process and how to succeed throughout the internship. I would say my team members provided the most support and guidance, they guided me through examples of how to complete my work, were readily available for calls or conversations of any questions I had, and provided regular feedback on work completed. The student recruitment team also had check ins with us to discuss any issues or questions we had about the internship.

I found the company culture very friendly and relaxed, as it is the lower season in audit. I felt very welcomed by the people I met, and during department meetings people were open to discuss their role, the company, and their experiences which was very nice. The atmosphere in the office was fairly relaxed, everyone was friendly, especially the graduates in the energy department. The graduates, engagement team, and department all held social events for networking. We also had the opportunity to volunteer with the EY foundation and do some fundraising. One slight negative is that it is hybrid working and desks are booked individually, therefore you do not immediately meet the people on your engagement team in person which would have been nice. I was lucky to travel to client site where I engaged with my whole team and this was a much better working atmosphere.

I would say I really enjoyed my internship, largely because the people were very welcoming, patient, and engaging. Everyone took the time to answer any questions I had and coach me through any work required. I was given explanations as to why my work was being carried out and its importance in the audit, which I found very helpful. I was also given important tasks that assisted in the quarterly review, and given feedback throughout. At times there was limited work to complete, which is a slight drawback, as it the summer is low season. There were maybe 2/3 days with very limited work, although this was easily supplemented with certificate learning or extra training.

Yes

The application process is fairly long, roughly 2/3 months, so I would advise applying early. I initially applied to a different service line and was moved to audit as it was full, and wish I had applied earlier. There are multiple online assessments so practice maths skills and situational judgement tests. I would suggest research EY's values. There are also some video interview questions, so practice being comfortable infront of the camera. The assessment centre involved a group task, and then an individual written and maths task.